Cancer Flashcards
What is cancer?
A broad group of diseases characterized by rapidly proliferating anaplastic cells
List 8 early warning signs of cancer.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Unexplained weight loss
- A sore throat that does not heal
- Hoarseness or persistent cough
- Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
- A lump of thickening of any area (i.e. breast)
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- Change in size or appearance of wart or mole
Cancer is the ____ leading cause of death in the US.
Second
What is a tumor or neoplasm?
An abnormal growth of new tissue that is nonfunctional and competes for viral blood supply and nutrients
What is the difference between a benign vs malignant tumor?
Benign = localized, slow growing, usually encapsulated; not invasive
Malignant = invasive, rapidly growth giving rise to metastasis; can be life threatening
What are carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias/myelomas?
Carcinoma: a malignant tumor originating in the epithelial tissue (skin, stomach, colon, breast, rectum)
Sarcoma: a malignant tumor originating in connective and mesodermal tissues (muscle, bone, fat)
Lymphoma: affecting the lymphatic system
Leukemia and myeloma: affecting the blood and blood forming organs (bone marrow)
What is metastasis?
Movement of cancer cells from one body part to another; spread via lymphatic system or blood stream
What is the purpose of cancer staging?
Stages describe the extent or severity of a person’s cancer.
Based on primary tumor (T), regional lymph node involvement (N) and metastasis (M).
Describe the 5 stages of cancer.
Stage 0 = cancer in situ
Stage 1 = tumor is localized, equal to or less than 2 cm; has not spread to lymph nodes
Stage 2 = tumor is locally advanced; 2 cm to 5 cm with or without lymph node involvement
Stage 3 = tumor is locally more advanced; spread to lymph nodes; cancer is designated stage II or III depending on specific type of cancer
Stage 4 = the tumor has metastasized, or spread to other organs throughout the body
What is cancer in situ?
Premalignant neoplasm that has not invaded the basement membrane
Describe the 4 grades of cancer cells.
Grade I (low-grade) = caner cells resemble normal cells (well differentiated) and are slow growing Grade II (intermediate grade) = cancer cells look more abnormal (moderately differentiated) and are slightly faster growing Grade III (high-grade) = cancer cells are abnormal (poorly differentiated); grow or spread more aggressively Grade IV (high-grade) = cancer cells are abnormal (undifferentiated)
What is the purpose of radiation therapy?
Destroys cancer cells, inhibits cell growth and division.
List 8 systemic effects of radiation therapy.
- Pain and fatigue
- Radiation sickness
- Immunosuppression
- Fibrosis
- Burns
- Delayed wound healing
- Edema
- Hair loss
List 7 systemic effects of chemotherapy.
- Fatigue
- GI symptoms (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Bone marrow suppression (anemia, leukopenia)
- Skin rashes
- Neuropathies
- Phlebitis
- Hair loss
What is the purpose of immunotherapy?
Strengthens the host’s ability to fight cancer cells
List 7 systemic effects of immunotherapy.
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Flu like symptoms (fever, chills)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Fluid retention
What is the most common symptom reports by patients with cancer?
FATIGUE
What type of exercise is recommended for patients with significant bony metastasis, osteoporosis, or low platelet count (< 20,000)?
AROM, ADL exercise only
List 8 contraindications to PT associated with treating cancer patients.
- Day of intravenous chemotherapy or within 24 hours of treatment
- Severe reaction to radiation therapy
- Acute infection or febrile illness ( temp. > 100 deg F)
- Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea within 24-36 hours, dehydration, poor nutrition
- Unusual or extreme fatigue, muscular weakness, recent bone pain
- Chest pain, rapid or slow HR, elevated BP, swelling of ankles
- Severe dyspnea, pain on deep breath, cough/wheezing
- Dizziness/lightheadedness, disorientation, confusion, blurred vision, ataxia
Exercise is contraindicated in patients with platelet counts ____ or less; use caution with counts _____.
20, 000 or less
Caution with 20,000-50,000
List 2 physical agents that may be contraindicated when treating patients with cancer.
- Thermal agents (hot packs, paraffin baths)
2. Deep heating agents (ultrasound, diathermy, and hydrotherapy)
